Re: [Chevelle-list] O/T business

[Devin]

Harlan-  I’ll throw my 2 cents in the pot as well.  

 

After having worked in the auto industry doing repairs for the last 15
years, in March of 05 my wife and I bought a parts store.  It was small and
locally owned.  I had been doing business with the owner for years and
trusted him.  Long story short, we had to close the doors in Feb of this
year (07.)  In order to buy it we had refinanced our house, and took out
additional loans.  We lost our asses.  

 

I went back to wrenching in Aug of 06 just to put food on the table.  The
wife continued to run the store for another 6 months until we found a buyer
for our inventory.  Even then, they only bought about 80% of our inventory
and paid us 60% of our cost on it.  That was the best deal we could find.

 

On the flip side, since then, because it was needed, I’ve taken on side jobs
at home.  I have more work lined up than I ever have time to do it.  I have
to tell people in the beginning it takes me longer than a shop down the
street, but when it leaves it’s done right, and I work at about ½ the local
hourly rate.  This business has cost me nearly nothing to run, since I
already have a set of tools at home, in addition to the better ones at work.

 

Basically, if you can do this with little or no start-up money, and
absolutely no loans, go for it.  You’re taking on a big risk to go into
business for yourself, but you have a chance to make much better money than
working for somebody else.

 

Devin

 

   _  

From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2007 3:14 PM
To: Chevelle-list@chevelles.net
Subject: [Chevelle-list] O/T business

 

Since its slow, I thought I would ask, I have been out of work since 3-07
and have applied at over 190 places, (and the electric company and others
are ruthless-wanting to shut me off) I used to work at car dealers mainly
doing warranty claims, I am desperately trying to get out of this,(kind of
cut throat) and was wondering if anyone had any tips about starting your own
business? I kind of have a side line but its mostly friends who want stuff
done for cheap.
I want to do restoration work (which I am familiar) but would also like to
do street rods, fabrication, suspension, engine installs. And was thinking
of hiring someone for this--
my main worries are how to get that first customer? advertise? where?? (a
friend of mine has his own business and his advertising rarely brings in new
customers, its mostly word of mouth)
and I am in need of some equipment-do I take out a loan??
any opinions would be appreciated.

Harlan
HYPERLINK
"http://hometown.aol.com/harkem123/HarlanKemperAssociatesindex.html"http://h
ometown.aol.com/harkem123/HarlanKemperAssociatesindex.html 


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Re: [Chevelle-list] knee knocker tacs

[Z16CHEVELLEGUY]

Yes 1964 & 65 had in dash tachs (65 had 3 different redlines) but  a free 
standing tach was offered also. 1964 (986023) & 1965 (986325) were  the free 
standing GM numbers.
 
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
1965 Chevelle Malibu SS
Collector of  1965 Chevelle parts
Seller of none (got to finish the car  first)



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Re: [Chevelle-list] Misc BS

[Eddie Bumgarner]

Im battling part-timers myself, a good reproduction knee knocker would be good 
if your not looking for a concourse correct car. I have an original knee 
knocker for my 66 conv. love it. good luck!  Eddie Bum 66ss conv.

Rick Schaefer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:Guess that I should consider myself 
lucky.  So far I've only got half-timers disease!
  On Dec 15, 2007 5:09 PM, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
  Jeff. 
  Now I know that I'am not the only one...I feel better.
  Glad to have you around.
   
  www.howardsbackyardautobody.com 

 
  -- Original message -- 
From: Jeff Paulin <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > 
my knowledge base is fighting a losing battle with Alzheimer's.

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hey, Jeff, it's good to see you on the list!  You 
will be a good asset for the guys.
   
  Dennis McGillis
949-551-4821 phone
949-553-7211 cell
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.mcgilliscompany.com  
   
   
   
- Original Message - 
  From: Jeff Paulin 
  To: The Chevelle Mailing List 
  Cc: True Connections 
  Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2007 8:48 AM
  Subject: [Chevelle-list] knee knocker tacs
  

  Buy a reproduction Tach specific for your car and RPM range of your motor 
from True Connections in Riverside Calif.  The repro's look just like the 
origional - and work out of the box.  They stock and sell parts for just 
Chevelles.  They can help make sure you are getting exactly what you want and 
the tach will work.  I would be very careful about buying used electrical items 
off e-bay.  
   
  Jeff
   
  

Malibu <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
The '65 was an in dash tach. The '66 is the knee knocker. It's chrome and 
mounts below the dash. The '67 mounts below the overhang on the dash and has 
the left turn signal in it. 
- Original Message - 
  From: ronnie, a.k.a. rocko 
  To: chevelle-list@chevelles.net 
  Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2007 9:44 AM
  Subject: [Chevelle-list] knee knocker tacs
  

  Hello,  just  got  off  of  ebay  and  a  seller  had  listed  a  knee  
knocker  tac,  a  nice  item  indeed,  this  one  has  the  chrome  finish,  it 
 is  listed  for  a  65  66  and  67,  it  looks  to  be  out  of  a  66  to  
me,  my  understanding  is  the  67  had  a  black  plastic  finish,  the  66  
was  chrome  and  a  little  cooler  looking,  and  as  far  as  a  65  really  
dont  know  what  that  year  came  with,  any  insight  from  you  guys  would 
 be  helpful,  thanks,  ronnie 

-
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-- 
Rick Schaefer
72 TPI El Camino




Eddie Bumgarner 66ss conv.

   
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Re: [Chevelle-list] Misc BS

[Rick Schaefer]

  Guess that I should consider myself lucky.  So far I've only got
half-timers disease!
On Dec 15, 2007 5:09 PM, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

>  Jeff.
> Now I know that I'am not the only one...I feel better.
> Glad to have you around.
>
> www.howardsbackyardautobody.com
>
>
> -- Original message --
> From: Jeff Paulin <[EMAIL PROTECTED] >
> my knowledge base is fighting a losing battle with Alzheimer's.
>
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> Hey, Jeff, it's good to see you on the list!  You will be a good asset for
> the guys.
>
> Dennis McGillis
> 949-551-4821 phone
> 949-553-7211 cell
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> www.mcgilliscompany.com
>
>
>
>
> - Original Message -
> *From:* Jeff Paulin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> *To:* The Chevelle Mailing List 
> *Cc:* True Connections <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> *Sent:* Saturday, December 15, 2007 8:48 AM
> *Subject:* [Chevelle-list] knee knocker tacs
>
> Buy a reproduction Tach specific for your car and RPM range of your motor
> from True Connections in Riverside Calif.  The repro's look just like the
> origional - and work out of the box.  They stock and sell parts for just
> Chevelles.  They can help make sure you are getting exactly what you want
> and the tach will work.  I would be very careful about buying used
> electrical items off e-bay.
>
> Jeff
>
>
>
> *Malibu <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>* wrote:
>
> *The '65 was an in dash tach. The '66 is the knee knocker. It's chrome and
> mounts below the dash. The '67 mounts below the overhang on the dash and has
> the left turn signal in it. *
>
> - Original Message -
> *From:* ronnie, a.k.a. rocko <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> *To:* chevelle-list@chevelles.net
> *Sent:* Saturday, December 15, 2007 9:44 AM
> *Subject:* [Chevelle-list] knee knocker tacs
>
> Hello,  just  got  off  of  ebay  and  a  seller  had  listed  a  knee
> knocker  tac,  a  nice  item  indeed,  this  one  has  the  chrome  finish,
> it  is  listed  for  a  65  66  and  67,  it  looks  to  be  out  of  a  66
> to  me,  my  understanding  is  the  67  had  a  black  plastic  finish,
> the  66  was  chrome  and  a  little  cooler  looking,  and  as  far  as  a
> 65  really  dont  know  what  that  year  came  with,  any  insight  from
> you  guys  would  be  helpful,  thanks,  ronnie
>  --
> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it
> now.
>
>
>
>


-- 
Rick Schaefer
72 TPI El Camino

[Chevelle-list] Spare Engine Storage

[dennis.mcgillis]

Hi Guys, my good-running original 100,000 mile 283 has been in my buddy's 
warehouse since I installed a new 350 crate engine last year.  Now he needs the 
space and there is not room in my garage.  Is outdoor storage a viable option?  
Here in OC there is no worry about extreme weather but would condensation rust 
everything?  My Chevelle is a nice original car and a future owner (or even me) 
might want it back to original someday.  Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Dennis McGillis
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
1965 Chevelle Malibu SS-350

Re: [Chevelle-list] O/T business kinda long reply

[Josh Campbell]

I know all about the "friends" who want big $$$ work done for next to nothing 
(barely enough to compensate your time), thats why I normally and nicely tell 
them if they help do the work I'll cut them a deal, but they have to be there 
or thier ride doesn't get painted, I've had one of my good buddys 66 GMC 
sitting behind the garage for about 3 years now to put floors in it.. but 
he hasn't ever come over to help and I'm not doing that for nothing, unless 
money is involved. The way I see it is if you let them your friends will run 
over you if you let them. Case in point this last summer one of my "friends" 
wrecked his '94 Toyota pickup dang thing isn't worth no more than $1000 its 
rusty and worn but it has a great engine/trans/underbody and it was a WORK 
TRUCK!! He drives it to the coal mines (have you ever been around a strip job 
truck Jeez!!) So I priced him a work truck buddy price to do the following: 
attempt to pull the warped frame as I have no rack, replace the
 entire front clip inner fenders and all to make it safe, paint the new fenders 
to match, reinstall the front end, and make it line up as good as a beat up 
truck can that has a warped frame. Do you know how much I charged? $400 and I 
told him it WAS NOT going to be perfect seeing as how it was going to get 
bashed, he dropped it off I worked like a dog to hurry up and finish it and 
when he came to pick it up he was not satisfied because the fenders didn't line 
up perfectly funny he fogot how the front was pushed back about 6 inches when I 
got it. I told him again the frame was bent and it will never line up when you 
are out of square I had elongated all the holes and shimmed it to death!! Long 
story short, I told him either pay for the labor and material I did my end of 
the deal exactly as I said I would or I would sell it for what was owed. 
Needless to say he goes out and tells all his buddys what a crappy job I did on 
his truck and I lost a few prospective customers (I
 don't really care because I have some well to do people that have been 
spreading the word that I do quality work for a reasonable price as long as 
they give me time as I have a day job). Ok now that I have that horror story 
out of the way I have been doing this work on the side and I make more money 
doing this than I do at work, the thing is I stay there because of the 
insurance and retirement (school board maintenance dept.) plus the free truck 
to drive. I have done some advertising and I didn't see any difference in my 
customer flow as I did going word of mouth. The best ad I have going is I call 
a couple of my past customers one that has a 70 Buick Wildcat convertable, one  
that has an 81 Corvette, and another that has a 60s Harley, all of whom let me 
do exactly what I wanted to the vehicles and take them to the local shows and 
hand out my business cards, that normally drums up some good business. As for 
the equipment when I first started I had 2 paint guns and a 100
 and some odd Craftsman toolset and I painted in a dark, dirt floor, 2 car 
shed. The first thing I did was build my garage with the money I had saved for 
a house (still living at home, saving back up for the house and keep buying 
toys), then when a job would go out I would take most of the money and invest 
it back into the shop buying tools, lights, airtools, and the like. I have 
found good deals on used equipment (mainly cabinets, tables, and the like) at 
auctions, sales, and word of mouth. For the past couple of years I have my best 
friend working with me and he has moved alot of his things in the shop, we 
basically combined our tools to make one good selection of tools. As for taking 
out a loan that can be a blessing or dangerous because you don't know wheather 
or not it will take off or not. Well anyway I guess I'll hush with my rant and 
maybe that might help you out. Just let us know how it turns out.



Josh Campbell
  66 SS 396 (Black on the rotisseree, 1st car never part with it)
  66 SS 396 (Red got it on a trade I only wanted the steering wheel)
  87 Monte Carlo SS (The modern Chevelle especially when you add the right 
stuff)
  71 Malibu (Something new to blow my money on)

   
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[Chevelle-list] Wanted: Classic Japanese cars, Toyotas, Datsuns, Mazdas

[AutoObsessn]

Hi Everyone,

This is a slightly off the regular topic, but I'm looking for complete, 
running, mostly-original 1974 and earlier Japanese cars.   I know most of you 
guys 
and girls are into American iron.   But if you have, or know of any early 
Toyotas, Datsuns, or Mazdas that you want to get rid of for a reasonable (or 
free), please let me know!   Perhaps getting rid of your old Toyota will make 
room 
for your next Chevelle project?   Maybe your neighbor, or the little old lady 
down the street has one?   Obviously, the closer they are to us in So Cal, the 
more appealing they will be.   I'm looking for pre-75 Toyota Coronas, 
Corollas, Carinas, and Crowns, Datsun 510's, Roadsters, Z's, and 210's, and 
Mazdas... 
etc.   No basket cases or rust buckets, please!
If you have or know of one that might be available, any info and photos would 
be appreciated.   Please send them to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Thanks,
Trevor
805-306-0795
[EMAIL PROTECTED]


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[Chevelle-list] Thank you and Happy Holidays!

[AutoObsessn]

Hey Everybody,

I hope you're all doing well this holiday season.   I just wanted to take a 
moment and thank all of you for all the business and support you've given us 
over the last few years.   Without great customers like you, we wouldn't be 
doing what we're doing...   so Thanks!

There aren't any more swap meets this year, but we have the Long Beach swap 
meet on Jan 6, and Pomona on the 13th.

Happy Holidays!

Trevor, Mike, and Jim
Auto Obsession
805-306-0795
www.AutoObsession.com


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Re: [Chevelle-list] O/T business

[Chuck Speake]

Hi Harlan,

 

Are you in a big city?  If so are you a vet?  The veterans' administration
can assist or advise you as well as provide business startup loans.  You can
also go to your bank and they can provide some information as to starting a
business.  Advertising, if you are in a large city contact all of the
various car clubs and advertise in their news letters or web sights is one
possibility.   Perhaps go around to all of the cruise nights  and car shows
and pass out flyers regarding you business and capabilities (this is were
being in a large city and having a lot of cruises to go to helps). 

I used to and I am thinking of starting to do it again sometime in the
future draw peoples cars in white charcoal on various colored background
that were very detailed.  When I was doing it I exhibited my work as well as
actually drew while there so people could see how it was done.  I attended
shows like the Chey-Vette Fest in Chicago, Bloomington Gold Corvette show,
as well as local car shows and shows put on by car clubs and auto dealers in
the area.  I would either sell pictures I had already drawn, had limited
edition prints of or take commissions to draw peoples cars, or anything they
wanted for that matter.  Money is money.  So that is how I got my orders or
jobs.  Now if I go back into it, I will do the same, except in the summer I
will do the car shows across the northern states, and then when it starts to
get cold do the shows across the southern states, and also utilize the
internet to sell limited edition prints, and originals (not sure yet).

I know this isn't much, but hopefully a little of it will be of some help to
you.

 

Chuck Speake

1970 Chevelle Malibu

Glen Ellyn, Illinois

[EMAIL PROTECTED]

 

 

 

From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2007 5:14 PM
To: Chevelle-list@chevelles.net
Subject: [Chevelle-list] O/T business

 

Since its slow, I thought I would ask, I have been out of work since 3-07
and have applied at over 190 places, (and the electric company and others
are ruthless-wanting to shut me off) I used to work at car dealers mainly
doing warranty claims, I am desperately trying to get out of this,(kind of
cut throat) and was wondering if anyone had any tips about starting your own
business? I kind of have a side line but its mostly friends who want stuff
done for cheap.
I want to do restoration work (which I am familiar) but would also like to
do street rods, fabrication, suspension, engine installs. And was thinking
of hiring someone for this--
my main worries are how to get that first customer? advertise? where?? (a
friend of mine has his own business and his advertising rarely brings in new
customers, its mostly word of mouth)
and I am in need of some equipment-do I take out a loan??
any opinions would be appreciated.

Harlan
http://hometown.aol.com/harkem123/HarlanKemperAssociatesindex.html 


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